The American Sports Builders Association, a non-profit trade association comprised of builders, designers and suppliers for sports facilities, exists to promote the highest standards of design, construction and maintenance.
ASBA Chair
Megan
Buczynski, PE, LEED AP
ASBA Executive Director
Fred Stringfellow, CAE | fred@stringfellowgroup.net
Editor
Mary Helen Sprecher | maryhelen@sportsbuilders.org
In the New England area spring has sprung, as I hope it has in your area! With spring comes a ramp-up in construction, my favorite time of year. I hope all our members are off to a busy start this spring and are looking forward to the summer-slam construction season right around the corner.
Thank you to all our members who travelled to Costa Rica for the Winter Meeting. We continue to have amazing numbers of attendees at the Winter Meeting. For those who may be newer to ASBA, the Winter Meeting is an in-depth planning session for the year ahead that all members are welcome to attend.
During the meeting each Division gathers to review and discuss feedback from the survey results of the Technical Meeting, discuss potential topics for the next Technical Meeting Sessions, narrow down and select the session topics and identify a Champion for each session.
The Champion’s job is to be the project manager for the session. They help identify the speaker(s), check in with the speaker(s) throughout the year providing guidance and input as needed and help keep all submissions for review on schedule. Being a Champion or a speaker is another great way to increase involvement in ASBA.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
The Board of Directors also met at the Winter Meeting to discuss next steps in our Strategic Planning. The first BIG step in this process is a survey that has been developed to gain insights from all members. This survey is important.
We need member feedback on the Strategic Plan topics to determine issues of importance for our membership. You should have already received a link to this and we highly encourage and welcome your input.
Please know that this is not your traditional (boring) survey. We are using a new and interactive platform, allowing for ease of completion via phone, tablet or computer. Please encourage your colleagues to complete it too!
Just recently in May a group of volunteers attended our yearly meeting with NCAA, NFHS, NIAA and USATF. This meeting is used to collaborate on any potential rules changes and how they may affect the way our members design, manufacture products and build a facility.
The relationship between ASBA and these entities has blossomed over the last 15 years and we truly appreciate the opportunity to discuss how an idea that a Rules Committee may think is a simple change can have a major effect on a facility. (I’m sure our indoor members recall the three-point line changes!) Being able to provide feedback before rules are finalized is welcome and helpful to all involved. If you have an item or rule that you struggle with, please send an email to your Division President throughout the year and ask for it to be added to next year’s agenda.
As we move into a very busy time of year, I wish you all well in your construction endeavors. These are the projects that
will be nominated for Facility Awards in the next year and I look forward to seeing the wonderful pictures of these projects in the future! These are the results of our membership’s goal to Build It Right. ★
Warmly,
Meg Buczynski, PE, LEED AP
HAS YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION CHANGED?
Need to update your address? Have you changed your e-mail or website? Is there a new employee you’d like to list?
Please help ASBA keep its records updated by letting us know!
This is the information that we will be using for ASBA’s Online Membership Directory – please make sure we have the most updated and accurate information.
To update any information, please contact info@sportsbuilders.org.
Meg Buczynski, PE, LEED AP
HEADLINE NEWS
Meet BIRT SM – ASBA’s AI Assistant
Whether you’re a skeptic about artificial intelligence (AI), whether you’re a full-blown believer or whether you land somewhere in between, there’s one thing you can’t deny: AI is here to stay.
One problem with AI, though, has been that when you type a question into a search engine, the result you get might be more artificial and less intelligent; often, it is not a full answer and perhaps not backed by the latest rules.
It can create big headaches in the sports facility industry, particularly when ASBA members need information in a hurry.
For example, you might go to Google with the question, “What are the dimensions of a beach volleyball court?” AI provides one answer; however, it does not know that courts will vary in dimension according to the governing body, the level of play, the ages of the players or the number of players on the court.
Know who does know all that? BIRT.
BIRT is the Association’s AI-powered mascot, whose name is a mashup of the slogan, Build It Right. And for ASBA members, BIRT is the newest helper when it comes to looking up information quickly.
ASBA members can go to the website, www.sportsbuilders.org, and click on the blue box that reads, “Start Using BIRT,” which is found on the home page, below the list of membership divisions.
When you type a question into BIRT’s search box, you get an answer derived from ASBA content: manuals, sessions, technical articles, programs and more. No guesswork, no sponsored information masquerading as facts, no errors. Just answers.
And those answers will provide the kind of details you need as an industry member. For example, ask BIRT how deep the sand should be on that beach volleyball court and you’ll get an answer that encompasses the sand depth in the primary playing area, as well as the depth of sand in the free zone around it. Want to know net heights for the various levels of play? BIRT has that too.
BIRT is free for all current ASBA members to use, so make sure you’re logged into the website in order to get full access.
BIRT can also help ASBA with new member recruitment, since those who are not current members will have limited access to this technology, although they’ll be given an option to join ASBA once they have reached their limit of free information.
How can BIRT help you? Visit the ASBA website and find out! ★
HEADLINE NEWS
ASTM Standards Are Important to ASBA Members
By Ed Norton, RLA, ASLA, LEED-AP, HNP, LLC And Alex Levitsky, PE, Global Sports & Tennis Design Group, LLC
ASTM standards are developed and maintained by 132 technical committees. Each committee is organized into subcommittees.
The Most Relevant ASTM Committee to the ASBA members has been F08: Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces and Facilities. It is represented by 850+ members in 21 countries. F08 has more than 32 subcommittees responsible for more than 179 standards ranging in topics from bicycles to pole vault. F08’s Scope states:
“Standardization of specifications, test methods and practices for sports equipment, surface and facilities to reduce inherent risk of injuries and promote knowledge as it relates to these standards. The committee shall coordinate this work with other ASTM technical committees and other organizations in this area.”
Other ASTM Committees contribute to the sports industry, including F14: Fences, D04: Road and Paving Materials, C09: Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and many others.
In construction documents, nearly every specification refers to a number of ASTM standards that contribute test methods, other stipulations or practices needed to meet the requirements of the construction specifications.
Subcommittees are made up of representatives from industry, government, testing laboratories, retailers, designers and interested parties. They are classified into four groups: producers; users; consumers; and general interest. Producers may not outnumber the members of the other three groups of a subcommittee. This balance assures that interests of the producers are equalized with the interests of the users.
Task Groups are subdivisions of subcommittees. A task group is usually composed of six to 10 people with a common interest in a particular subject. These smaller groups are responsible for developing new standards, reviewing existing standards, conducting interlaboratory tests and more. At any given time, there can be thousands of task groups working across ASTM.
Unlike the committees and subcommittees, not all task group members have to be members of the subcommittee or even ASTM members. This allows the contact person for the task group to invite a wide range of experts with specific expertise in the work item.
Once there is a consensus within the task group, the standard is presented to the subcommittee to begin the voting process.
The standard is not approved until every objection (negative) submitted during balloting is addressed.
ASTM Staff supports the committees, but does not make technical decisions regarding the standards. Specific staff tasks include:
• Staff management and administrative support
• Professional editing
• Supply templates for new standards
• Assign web-based collaborative areas for task groups
• Schedule web conferencing
• Post electronic submittals and balloting of standards
• Provide Product and Personnel Certification Services
• Organize proficiency testing programs
• Assist in arranging an interlaboratory study program
• Provide training and symposia services
Once there is a consensus within the task group, the standard is presented to the subcommittee to begin the voting process. The standard is not approved until every objection (negative) submitted during balloting is addressed.
For more information on F08 and the numerous subcommittees, visit www.astm.org/membership-participation/ technical-committees/committee-f08 ★
Ed Norton and Alex Levitsky are the ASBA delegates to ASTM International and members of the ASBA ASTM Advisory Council. For more information about the ASBA ASTM Advisory Council, please visit www.sportsbuilders.org/volunteer
WHAT ASBA IS DOING FOR YOU: Digital Marketing SOCIAL
ASBA actively engages with members, sponsors, advertisers, and partners on social media to foster a dynamic online community.
As of April 2026
ASBA implements monthly social media plans to ensure consistent & organized communication.
DIGITAL ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS – FY OCT 2025 TO SEPT 2026
ASBA’s multi-channel digital advertising strategy uses scheduled campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google Ads, and Feathr to boost brand awareness, drive traffic, and increase sales of Construction & Maintenance Manuals.
TOTAL AD ANALYTICS
SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN METRICS
INDUSTRY VIEWS
An Interview with Phil Rison, Executive Director, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA)
Industry Views is a regular column in Build It Right, featuring an interview with an industry partner. Have a suggestion for someone to interview? E-mail our editor at maryhelen@sportsbuilders.org
The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) supports high school athletic directors in public, private and parochial schools by providing professional development, certification and resources to promote quality education-based athletic programs. It focuses on enhancing safety, equity and leadership in sports, fostering character development and maintaining integrity in school-based athletics.
ASBA caught up with Phil Rison, who has served as Executive Director since 2023, following more than six years as Associate Executive Director.
American Sports Builders Association: NIAAA has a really large membership.
Phil Rison: As of today, we have 16,973 members.
American Sports Builders Association: What are the ages of the students that NIAAA members serve?
Phil Rison: Most of our schools serve students from seventh to twelfth grade; some also cover grades six to 12.
American Sports Builders Association: What do you think are some of the biggest challenges facing athletic administrators today?
Phil Rison: One of the biggest trends we deal with on a regular basis is a very high turnover of staff. That makes the
training and continuing education this organization offers especially important.
American Sports Builders Association: Why is there such a high turnover?
Phil Rison: A number of different reasons but it all goes back to the fact that there is a lot of pressure on athletic administrators these days. They are trying to manage risk, deal with parental involvement, make sure facilities are in good shape, keep an eye on the weather when there are outdoor games scheduled and manage the athletic department; it all contributes to burnout because they’re putting in 14- and 15-hour days.
Being an A.D. is a full-time job but in many schools, that person might also be a teacher, an assistant principal or even a principal. The whole landscape has changed as well. There are NIL issues, even at the high school level. Athletic administrators have a lot to deal with.
American Sports Builders Association: What kind of trends are your members talking about in sports?
Phil Rison: Obviously, there has been a huge rise of interest in girls’ wrestling and flag football; we are seeing a lot more states sanctioning those. And since flag football will be seen in the 2028 Olympics, it’s likely that will continue to grow as well.
We also see interest continuing in sports like bowling, bass fishing and archery; those are being looked at as lifelong sports; a student may play baseball for years but there is going to come a point where they can’t do that any longer.
American Sports Builders Association: Along those lines, do you have any idea
whether there is a growing interest in golf at the level where NIAAA members might be involved?
Phil Rison: I can’t say the numbers have shown a great increase; I believe more training programs are available. Simulators, for example, can give a student an opportunity to practice their craft in cold weather.
American Sports Builders Association: Do you hear from athletic administrators who have to deal with community members who are requesting the ability to use schools’ sports facilities as well?
Phil Rison: Yes, we hear that a lot. Administrators really have to do a balancing act in cases like that.
Something else parents don’t understand is that athletic administrators have to stay updated on the rules for all the sports being offered — and those rules change regularly. Compliance alone takes a lot of time.
American Sports Builders Association: And those rule changes can affect not just the game but the facilities themselves.
Phil Rison: Right. As an athletic administrator, you want your athletes to be playing in the best, most up-to-date and safest facilities available. It’s all part of your responsibility.
American Sports Builders Association: How have facilities changed over the years?
Phil Rison: In some cases, referendums have been passed to get support for facility improvements. As a result, we’re
seeing schools putting in some beautiful facilities, like synthetic turf fields that allow students to play soccer, football, field hockey, lacrosse and all the other things. They’re weather-resistant and having them means your staff doesn’t need to spend as much time manicuring the fields before games.
American Sports Builders Association: School sports facilities also get more attention than they ever used to because
INDUSTRY VIEWS
now, many fields, gyms and so forth are hosting travel tournaments, camps and showcases when school is not in session.
Phil Rison: Even just during the school year, good facilities help provide a pleasant experience not just for athletes but for fans and parents. They are also important to the image of a school, especially to the community as a whole.
American Sports Builders Association: Because more people will come to a football game or a basketball game than would come to sit in classes?
Phil Rison: Yes, sports facilities are the front door to the school. ★
MEETING NEWS
ASBA 2026 Winter Meeting Recap: Collaboration in Costa Rica
The 2026 ASBA Winter Meeting brought members together in Costa Rica for one of the most important working gatherings of the year. While the setting offered a memorable backdrop, the true focus of the Winter Meeting remained on collaboration—bringing together leaders from across ASBA’s divisions to shape the future of the Technical Meeting and address the issues impacting the sports construction industry.
Representatives from the Courts, Fields, Tracks and Indoor Sports Surfaces divisions spent time digging into attendee feedback from the 2025 Technical Meeting. Building on those insights, each group worked collaboratively to plan the 2026 ASBA Technical Meeting sessions, including developing session topics, refining titles and descriptions and identifying potential speakers. These discussions ensured that the upcoming Technical Meeting program delivers practical, relevant content for attendees.
Beyond session planning, each division explored the trending topics currently influencing their respective markets and the industry at large. These discussions provided valuable perspective on where the industry is headed—and how ASBA can continue to support its members in navigating that change.
Another key outcome of the Winter Meeting was the development of ideas and direction for upcoming position papers. These efforts are critical to ASBA’s role as a thought leader, helping to provide clarity, guidance, and best practices on important topics affecting sports facility design and construction.
While the work sessions were central to the meeting, the setting in Costa Rica also allowed for valuable connection among
attendees. Informal conversations throughout the weekend reinforced relationships across divisions, disciplines and geographic location, creating opportunities for collaboration that extend well beyond the Winter Meeting itself.
Looking Ahead: 2027 Winter Meeting in St. Maarten
Planning is already underway for the 2027 ASBA Winter Meeting, scheduled for February 19–22, 2027 in St. Maarten. With its unique blend of cultures, scenic coastline and welcoming atmosphere, St. Maarten will provide an inspiring setting for another productive and engaging gathering.
As ASBA continues to build on the momentum from Costa Rica, the Winter Meeting remains a cornerstone event for shaping the Technical Meeting, advancing industry dialogue and strengthening the connections that drive the Association forward. Make plans now to join your colleagues in 2027 for another impactful Winter Meeting experience. ★
Save the Dates!
2026 Technical Meeting & Trade Show
December 1 - 4, 2026
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street – Tampa, FL
2027 Winter Meeting
February 19 - 22, 2027
Sonesta Maho Beach Resort – St. Maarten
Qualify for various rewards*:
• points for purchases to redeem for sports equipment, tickets, electronics, gift cards, etc.
• earn bonus points by submitting images and project information for project profiles and social media coverage
• private and public project lead generation
• marketing support
• and more! *Program is currently only available in the US and Canada
FEATURED ARTICLES
From 49ers Football to Hosting the Super Bowl to FIFA World Cup Play: The Transformation of a Field
Mary Helen Sprecher
The transformation of Levi’s® Stadium in Santa Clara, California from regular season home field of the San Francisco 49ers to the host of Super Bowl LX was followed by yet another changeover: to a facility that would host six matches of this summer’s FIFA World Cup.
By anyone’s definition, that is a tall order.
According to Sam Titchener, CFB (whose company, Colony Landscape & Maintenance, has the contract for all field work for the 49ers), it has been a process, rather than an event — and an involved process at that.
And, he adds, “all that was taking place while they were doing a $300 million renovation of the stadium with new scoreboards and new suites.”
Because of the stadium renovations, the field team never had access to the full facility until overall renovations were almost completed. As a result, work on the field had to be completed in sections, something Titchener terms “an atypical process.”
The timeline has been tight throughout the project. Events were scheduled for the field just after the Super Bowl concluded; once those were over, Titchener and his team moved in again.
Those working on the field in addition to the Colony staff amounted to a veritable “who’s who” in the fields profession: Dr. Andy McNitt, a 30-year veteran of the sports fields industry,
Zach Plum of Lloyd Sports + Engineering, Matt Greiner, head groundskeeper for the 49ers (and his highly skilled team) as well as a host of others, including representatives from the sand company chosen for the field.
“We all met as a group weekly for months, making sure we had the right sand blend,” Titchener notes.
By press time, sod was being installed on the field and work on the goal footings had commenced. Two to three weeks after the installation of the sod, hybrid fibers would be stitched in as well, all in accordance with FIFA’s directions.
All traces of the Super Bowl are gone and the field of Levi’s® Stadium is now the correct size for a FIFA-sanctioned competition. This necessitated the removal of several rows of seats on all four corners of the field. (For football purposes, those seats will be replaced, but will be anchored to a movable platform that can be taken out if needed for future events.)
The good news, says Titchener, is that nobody attending an NFL game at the stadium (or even seeing a 49ers game on television) would ever be aware of any changes to the construction of the seats.
While the field has hosted soccer previously, it has never hosted a FIFA event. It is Titchener’s first encounter with FIFA as well, and he describes the governing body as “a world-class organization.”
Once the field’s role in the World Cup has concluded, the job of restoring it to the 49ers begins.
“It’s a tight timeline,” says Titchener. The last game is July 1 or 2.”
In addition to getting the field ready for preseason football, Titchener and his team will be working around a busy concert schedule — all traces of which will need to be gone in time for the 49ers to play.
And that, he says, is just part of the job.
“We’ve had some crazy turnarounds where we work around events and then have the field ready for football starting on Monday. I really need to give a lot of credit to Matt Greiner and his team that manages that field. We can build them a good surface. They are the ones working 80 to 100 hours a week to keep it in shape for every game.”
Of course, the next logical question is always where he got to sit during the Super Bowl, and where he plans to sit during the World Cup games.
His answer: Not in the stadium.
“I didn’t go to the Super Bowl and I’m not going to the World Cup. The most rewarding part for me is hanging out with my friends and watching the games on TV and barbecuing and getting to answer their questions about the field.” ★
frasurereps.com
PRESS RELEASE
Netting Pros Launches Premium Sports Builder Brand, STADIONIC, to Elevate Athletic Facility Design, Fabrication, and Installation
Netting Pros, a national leader in custom sports netting and athletic facility solutions, today announced the launch of STADIONIC, its new premium sports builder brand designed to deliver elevated, design-forward athletic environments. The launch marks a strategic expansion of the company’s capabilities—bringing design, engineering, fabrication, and installation together to create facilities that perform at the highest level and look the part.
For more than 10 years, Netting Professionals has been trusted by schools, universities, municipalities, and professional sports organizations across the United States for high-quality netting systems and safety-driven solutions. With the introduction of STADIONIC, the company expands beyond netting and on-field products to support more comprehensive athletic facility builds— where safety, aesthetics, branding, and functionality are planned from day one, not patched in later.
STADIONIC was created to meet growing demand for facilities that are not only durable and functional, but also visually striking and experience-enhancing. The brand focuses on premium sports infrastructure solutions that combine advanced engineering with sleek, modern design— serving stadiums, sports complexes, training centers, and multi-use athletic venues.
According to STADIONIC and Netting Pros CEO Will Minor, “As a member of the Sports Builder Division within the American Sports Builders Association, we see where this industry is headed— and we built STADIONIC to help lead it.”
STADIONIC unifies the design, engineering, fabrication, and installation of athletic facility solutions— including netting, wall padding, windscreen, turf, dugout solutions, and equipment—into one coordinated process, helping owners and operators reduce rework, improve safety outcomes, enhance branding, and elevate the overall look and feel of their venues.
Netting Pros will continue to operate as the trusted source for custom netting solutions, while STADIONIC will serve as the premium brand focused on comprehensive, high-performance athletic environments. Together, the two brands will work in synergy to provide turnkey solutions tailored to each client’s vision, timeline, and budget. STADIONIC is now accepting projects nationwide for 2026 and beyond.
FEATURED ARTICLES
SFIA Report Has Good News for Sports Facility Industry
Mary Helen Sprecher
Good news: Team sports and racquet sports are continuing to grow, spelling success for ASBA members.
Bad news: There are still headwinds. Overall inactivity has hit a new low, but inactivity by teens is trending in the wrong direction. Additionally, financial obstacles face those who want to become involved in, or have their children become involved in, sports.
These are all insights collected in the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) 2026 Topline Participation Report, which tracks participation across 126 sports, recreation and fitness activities.
The new report, a must-have for those interested in finding out where the industry is headed, is available for purchase now on the SFIA website (sfia.org). In the meantime, however, here is a sneak peek at some of the insights.
Team Sports Are Up: Among the seven activity categories studied in the report, team sports recorded the strongest growth year-over-year, surpassing 90 million total participants for the first time.
Growth was shown across both indoor and outdoor sports, heralding a rising need for the new builds and upgrades of facilities that host those sports.
Racquet Sports Are Up: The SFIA report showed growth in the 10-year participation trend in racquet sports. (The only racquet sport with a decline was squash; however, since squash will be featured in the 2028 Olympics, it has an excellent opportunity to recoup those losses.)
The Pickleball Juggernaut Has Not Stopped: According to SFIA data, pickleball continued its five-year streak as the fast-
est-growing sport. (That’s not a shock to ASBA members, who have noted the increase in pickleball court construction, nor is it news to ASBA, where the top-selling publication is Pickleball Courts: Construction & Maintenance Manual.)
Two New Sports are in the Report: Disc golf and padel are now on the industry radar as emerging forces in terms of player demand.
Aspirational Activities Change with Age: While youth respondents identified several team sports as something they’d like to do in the next 12 months, as those people age, their interests often change to singular pursuits (yoga among adults as opposed to basketball among children).
The challenge becomes keeping people active in team sports as they become adults; one opportunity for this could be involvement in adult sports and social leagues.
Inactivity Rates Also Changed: While inactivity declined for both men and women in 2025, women remain more likely than men to be inactive. Also of concern, noted SFIA, is that in teens ages 13 through 17, inactivity increased.
This, according to industry leaders, should be a clarion call to get more teens involved in activities, either at the high school level or at the rec level, particularly since access to programs, and the affordability of those programs, continue to be significant obstacles to participation.
“More than 40 percent of people who took the survey said that cost was a barrier when it came to enrolling kids in sports,” said Bonnie McLaughlin, SFIA’s Vice President, External Affairs & Industry Relations. In particular, she notes, “rising costs and tariffs are creating waves of uncertainty.”
Sports with lower barriers to entry (in other words, sports where parents do not have to invest in expensive equipment, time in private facilities or individual coaching) appear to be well positioned for future growth.
SFIA is continuing its 2034WARD Campaign, an initiative focused on leveraging the momentum of global sporting events hosted in the U.S. over the next 10 years (the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, Rugby World Cup and others) to grow participation, expand access and help more Americans build active lifestyles. ★
FEATURED ARTICLES
After the Final Whistle, FIFA World Cup’s Legacy Begins
Mary Helen Sprecher
Tough as it is to imagine right now, there will come a time when the final whistle blows on this summer’s FIFA World Cup. The athletes will depart and the crowds will go home. But according to FIFA, that should not mean the end of the excitement around the sport.
FIFA’s World Cup Legacy Program for host cities picks up where the games leave off and involves the expectation that local organizations will create lasting social, economic and environmental benefits beyond the tournament.
The Legacy Program emphasizes growing the game (such as through the construction of small-sided fields and the development of youth programs), supporting communities (including the creation of grants for nonprofits and cultural events) and sustainability (such as the development of green initiatives and increasing accessibility for all users), with the ultimate goals of enriching underserved areas, developing youth skills and ensuring a lasting positive impact in each destination.
Already, host cities have been announcing their initiatives:
Miami: The Miami Host Committee has launched a strategic alliance that will positively impact the lives of more than 30,000 youth across the region by the end of 2026, partnering with the
Miami-Dade Soccer Initiative, launched in 2023 with Griffin Catalyst and The Children’s Trust, to create more than 50 small-sided fields in under-resourced communities across the area.
Boston: The U.S. Soccer Foundation is partnering with Boston 26, the Boston Host City organizing committee, to bring 20 new small-sided fields to communities across New England.
Philadelphia: A total of 26 soccer-related projects is planned throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to help enrich opportunities to play the game there.
New York/New Jersey Area: Plans are afoot to create 26 new safe places to play by installing small-sided fields in under-resourced communities across both states; by engaging at least 25,000 youth from under-resourced communities in soccer programs that build physical, social and emotional well-being skills; and by training at least 1,000 coaches as mentors in youth-serving organizations across the New York and New Jersey region.
Initiatives in other host destinations are expected to be announced on a forward-going basis; however, the uptick in construction of fields could be advantageous to ASBA’s Fields Division members who become involved. ★
FEATURED ARTICLES
Meet TYPTI, the New Court Sport
Mary Helen Sprecher
Much chatter at RacquetX, the court sport festival held recently in Ft. Lauderdale, centered around TYPTI, a new racquet sport.
TYPTI is played on a pickleball court and like pickleball, it combines elements of ping-pong, badminton and tennis. It also has its own rules and scoring system.
Unlike pickleball, though, it uses a 22-inch strung racquet and a 3.5-inch diameter channeled foam ball (both of which are branded by TYPTI) — and it’s quiet.
For court builders wondering about the playing lines, those remain unchanged from pickleball (meaning no blended lines are needed to implement the new sport). In play, however, there is no kitchen rule.
The sport launched in January. An inaugural all-skill level national competitive play circuit began with the first event in late February at the Calabasas Pickleball Club; amateur and professional tours are ongoing, according to the website.
The new sport has inked a number of key partnerships within the racquet sports market, including the Racquet Sports Professional Association (formerly the USPTA), whose membership includes more than 14,000 teaching pros. There is also an agreement in place with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association to have a significant prize money collegiate championship.
The sport was developed by Steve Bellamy, founder of the Tennis Channel.
“I’ve spent my career helping racquet sports grow because they’re a powerful gift to society. Our goal is not to cannibalize other racquet sports like tennis and pickleball, but instead bring the 25 million former players in the U.S. who don’t play anymore back on the court. If they play TYPTI and then migrate to tennis, pickleball, badminton, table tennis or padel, then that will be a huge success for the entire industry.”
Information about the game can be obtained by visiting the website, www.typti.com. ★
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS ASBA?
As part of our continuing effort to promote ASBA as an industry resource in sports construction issues, ASBA has had/will have a presence at the following events.
MAY - Tracks/Fields/Indoor Sports Surfaces Meetings with NCAA & Governing Bodies
ASBA’s Tracks, Fields & Indoor Sports Surfaces, led by Lee Narozanick, CFB, CTB; Kristoff Eldridge, CTB; Jordan Fisher, CTB; Allen Verdin, CFB; Jim Catella, CFB, CTB; Megan Buczynski, PE, LEED AP; Jay Henley, Larry Wade and Director of Education
Kaylee Derby met with representatives of NCAA, NFHS, NIAAA and USAT&F in Indianapolis, IN on May 12. This annual event is intended to strengthen communication between ASBA’s builder and designer members and the organizations who set the rules for various sports, as well as to review any rules changes being considered by those organizations that might affect facilities.
JULY - ITF Foundation Surfaces Board
Courts Division President Fred Kolkmann, CTCB and Executive Director Fred Stringfellow will participate in the ITF Foundation Surfaces Board meeting in London, UK on July 2.
Board Meeting & Awards Judging
The ASBA Board of Directors, awards judges and the ASBA staff will meet in Charleston, SC on July 28 and 29 for the annual summer Board meeting and awards judging.
AUGUST - US Open Tennis Championships/USTA
Courts Division President Fred Kolkmann, CTCB and Executive Director Fred Stringfellow will attend the US Open in New York, NY and meet with USTA representatives on August 31.
SEPTEMBER - National Recreation & Parks Association
ASBA will have a presence as an exhibitor at this year’s NRPA Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA, September 29 and 30. Stop by ASBA’s booth to say hello.
ASBA IN PRINT
Where are ASBA’s Technical Articles Appearing?
ASBA publishes technical articles in a variety of publications across all divisions, using quotes from its members. Would you like to receive questions for an upcoming article? Contact technical writer, Mary Helen Sprecher, at maryhelen@sportsbuilders.org
The following articles have been published recently or will be published soon:
• PRB+: Partnering with Sports and Social Clubs
• NRPA Parks & Recreation: LED Lighting for Park Sports Facilities
• SportsField Management: On the Right Track: Maintenance Best Practices for Track & Field Facilities
• Coach & AD: Working with The Design Team, Builders and Other Members of the Industry
• NIAAA Athletic Administrator: Flag Football Fields - Everything You Need to Know
• Christian School Products: Outdoor Sports Fields and Courts: End-of-School-Year Maintenance
• Camp Business: Trending Tips for Maintenance of Your Camp Facilities
• NRPA Parks & Recreation: How to Work with Sport and Social Organizations to Maximize Your Facility Use ★
PLAYING BY THE RULES
ASBA periodically recounts rule changes that may affect the way facilities are constructed, marked or appointed (including equipment that is either experimental, recommended or mandatory.)
Rule changes affecting athletes (uniforms, sportsmanship, transfer, NIL issues, etc.) or the game itself (what constitutes a foul, etc.) are not covered here.
Information presented here is only reviewed briefly; full information can be gained through the governing bodies mentioned.
NFHS: Flag Football
NFHS announced a number of changes to the rules of flag football; one of these, included in Rule 1 – The Game, Field, Players and Equipment, is applicable to ASBA’s Fields Division.
Beginning in 2026-27, states will have a fourth option for the size of the playing field: 300 x 160 feet.
With this addition, there are now four choices for field size:
• 300 x 120 feet
• 360 x 120 feet
• 360 x 160 feet
• 300 x 160 feet
Each field size additionally has two 30-foot end zones.
NFHS: Track & Field
Because the following changes will concern meet administration, track builders, as well as those who work on field events, should be aware of them.
concrete, asphalt, wood or platform extensions) versus ground-level areas that may already be accounted for with landing system setup.
A change in Rule 3-2-3 gives the games committee the authority to determine the distance of takeoff boards in the horizontal jumps. As a result, the games committee can determine takeoff board placement in the long jump and triple jump aligning with its existing role in setting starting heights for the high jump and pole vault.
Another change applies to indoor track rules; this involves Rule 9-6-1, which establishes a uniform 20-meter exchange zone and creates a single standard for ease in officiating indoor relays.
Note: Another facility layout-related change to NFHS rules applies to water polo; ASBA members who are working with pools are encouraged to investigate the NFHS site for further information. ★
A change to high jump and pole vault rules concerns the addition of “items above ground level” to padding requirements in Rules 6-9-21 and 6-9-28.
The addition of the words, ‘above ground level,’ clarifies that the padding requirement applies specifically to hard and unyielding surfaces that are elevated relative to the ground. This refinement helps differentiate between surfaces that present a greater risk of impact during a fall (such as raised
TRENDING TOPICS
ASBA keeps an eye on subjects that are getting attention and that may affect those at the sports facility level. Here are a few of those.
Scammers Targeting Homeowners, Businesses Over Permit Applications
ASBA members should be aware that the FBI is seeing a nationwide rise in scammers impersonating U.S. city and county officials in phishing campaigns that target individuals and businesses applying for planning or zoning permits; victims include those who are planning residential courts or building/ expanding club facilities. Emails generally have non-governmental email addresses and request payment of permit-related fees via wire transfer, peer-to-peer payment apps or cryptocurrency. Users who suspect fraud or become a victim should report the incident to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
College Campus to Become Youth Sports Facility
Trinity International University in Bannockburn, Illinois will close at the end of this school year, and the property’s new owners have announced plans to transform the 114-acre campus into a youth sports facility that will host tournaments, camps and other events. A new 300,000- to 400,000-square-foot indoor arena is planned that will house multiple basketball courts, volleyball courts and indoor soccer fields. Also under consideration is an ice arena for hockey and skating competitions, as well as golf simulators, mini-golf, arcades and escape rooms.
Nine-Hole Indoor Golf Course Planned
Plans have been announced for a nine-hole indoor golf course, to be known as Megalodome, in suburban Chicago. The facility, expected to be housed under multiple large domes, will include a practice facility and driving range. The experience is intended to replicate the look and feel of tournament and leisure golf mecca, Scottsdale, Arizona. For added effect, the insides of the domes will be painted blue to look like the sky. Presently, the project is seeking investors.
NCAA News Includes New Championships, Emerging Sports
Among the news coming out of NCAA’s most recent convention that will impact facility use, and may drive demand for new facilities:
• Two cheer-based women’s team sports, STUNT and Acrobatics & Tumbling, are now full championships; both sports will host their first championships in spring 2027.
• Women’s Bowling became a championship sport in Division II.
• Women’s Wrestling will be able to contest a Division III championship, effective spring 2028. (NCAA recently hosted its inaugural women’s wrestling championship in Coralville, Iowa.)
• Women’s Flag Football has now been added to the list of Emerging Sports for Women in Divisions I, II and III.
NFHS, NSGA Report Participation Drop in High School Girls’ Basketball
A decline in the number of girls participating on their high school basketball teams has been noted by both the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA). Industry sources say there could be multiple reasons:
• The rise of travel programs (AAU and similar)
• The growth of new sports opportunities for high school girls (flag football, wrestling, etc.)
• Increased popularity in traditional sports like volleyball and track & field.
• A rise in sports specialization, with parents choosing year-round involvement in one particular sport in the hope their children will get a college scholarship, something that is statistically unlikely; only about two percent of high school athletes win sports scholarships each year at NCAA colleges and universities. ★
MEMBER NEWSLINE
Want your company featured in Member Newsline? Please send information to ASBA using the form available on our website at sportsbuilders.org/builditright You’ll find it on the Build It Right Magazine page under the News tab that is located on the top right-hand corner of the home page. All member news must be submitted through this portal ASBA reserves the right to edit all information submitted.
AT Sports Announces Expansions, New Products
In February, AT Sports welcomed Mike Reed as Faultline Division Manager, strengthening the team as demand continues to grow for professional crack repair solutions.
AT Sports was present at RacquetX, showcasing its RollX Portable Pickleball Court alongside the debut of its first-ever RollX Tennis Court, both engineered to deliver professional-level play with the flexibility needed for events, demos and temporary installations.
AT Sports recently announced an exclusive partnership with JayKay Pickleball, which will serve as the official RollX Portable Sports Surfaces and CushionX distributor in Italy.
Meanwhile, CushionX is making its debut in Australia at The Pickle Nation pickleball facility under development in Melbourne. The venue will feature six official PPA-endorsed CushionX courts, helping set a new benchmark for courts in the region. ★
• 8 Courts – PSC Aurora, Ontario
• 12 Courts – PSC Cambridge, Ontario ★
Covington Completes Work at
Rocky Top Sports World
Covington has completed a major refinishing and rebranding project at Rocky Top Sports World, a tournament facility in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Built for flexibility, the unit can be deployed as a standalone sweeper to clear debris, as a powerful magnet to capture ferrous materials or with both functions running in tandem for a thorough, single-pass clean. The product is available in 6-foot and 8-foot models. ★
Frasure Reps Lights Up Courts at Mayor Bob Leonard Park
In December 2025, The Town of Farragut, Tennessee held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for nine new pickleball courts located at Mayor Bob Leonard Park.
The project involved the refurbishment of six existing Robbins maple basketball courts originally installed by Covington more than 10 years ago. The facility owners elected to extend the surface’s serviceable life through a full sand-and-finish process combined with a comprehensive visual rebrand.
Courtship Sports Celebrates PSC Openings Across Canada
Courtship Sports is proud to announce its role in the rapid expansion of Pickleplex Social Club (PSC) locations across Canada.
Newly opened dedicated indoor PSC locations include the following:
• 13 Courts – PSC Downsview Park (Toronto), Ontario
• 9 Courts – PSC Red Deer, Alberta
A key feature of the project was the integration of photo-realistic vinyl floor graphics produced by GameTime Graphics, used alongside traditional painted game lines, stains and markings.
The vinyl graphics were applied directly to the maple surface and sealed beneath the final gymnasium finish coats, allowing complex artwork to be installed efficiently while minimizing facility downtime. ★
The
FOD Control Corp Launches New Sweeper Magnet Combo
The FOD Control Corp announces the launch of its new website, along with the debut of the Sportsweeper 3-in-1 Sweeper Magnet Combo.
Frasure Reps worked with Baseline Sports Construction, LLC to develop a lighting plan, bill of material and submittals for the project. The pickleball courts were constructed by Baseline Sports Construction.
Frasure Reps supplied 36 LSI Zone Medium fixtures for the pickleball courts and five LSI Mirada Small fixtures for the walkway and parking lot. ★
Gale Associates Completes NCAA DI Track & Field Facility
Gale Associates has helped transform Marist University’s new track and field complex in Poughkeepsie, New York into a NCAA Division I multi-purpose synthetic turf field, surrounded by a new eight-lane, 400-meter running track.
Continued on page 28
Photo courtesy of Baseline Sports Construction
The facility includes dedicated areas for pole vault, long and triple jump, high jump and steeplechase, along with new athletic and site lighting, upgraded utilities, improved access and associated paving, parking and landscaping.
The new complex marks a significant milestone for Marist’s track and field program, which previously relied on off-campus facilities. ★
The new product will provide rink and court owners with an option that has a smoother top surface for added comfort during play, a more user-friendly locking structure that maintains its superior joint stability with ease of installation in mind and an improved finish for a more eye-catching appearance upon completion.
high-grade, 100 percent pure acrylic paint with no fillers. It is available in concentrate or pre-texturized forms. ★
OSPORTS Celebrates Opening of Sprowls Horizon Sports Park
The new product, designed primarily for outdoor inline hockey use, will also be used for basketball, pickleball and other sports applications as well. ★
HNP Landscape Architecture Contributes to $46M Orange Beach Athletic Complex
HNP Landscape Architecture partnered with Davis Architects to provide landscape architecture and field layout consulting for the new Orange Beach Athletic Complex, serving both Orange Beach High School and Middle School.
The complex features a 3,500-seat football stadium, an eight-lane track and a 1,200-seat gymnasium. Additional amenities include a two-story kinesiology building, a covered 50-yard practice field and cutting-edge training spaces.
HNP was responsible for the design and specifications of the track and field facilities as well as the practice half-field. Field event areas include shot put, discus, javelin, long/triple jump and pole vault. HNP was also responsible for the planting plan, irrigation and drainage.
In coordination with Sports Turf Company, a high-performance synthetic turf system was installed featuring AstroTurf’s Rhino Series Blend monofilament slit-film turf, paired with a Brock shock pad and BrockFILL infill. The track system incorporates Rekortan M sandwich system surfacing. ★
Sprowls Horizon Sports Park, a 40-acre youth sports destination, opened in February 2026 in Pinellas Park, Florida. OSPORTS and Osborn Engineering worked alongside the City of Pinellas Park, The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) and Park & Eleazer Construction on the project.
Netting Pros has launched STADIONIC, its new premium sports builder brand. STADIONIC unifies into one process the design, engineering, fabrication and installation of athletic facility solutions, including netting, wall padding, windscreen, turf, dugout solutions and equipment.
Netting Pros will continue to offer custom netting solutions, while STADIONIC will serve as the premium brand focused on comprehensive, high-performance athletic environments. ★
The renovated park features six spring training replica baseball and softball fields, a multi-purpose field, ball hockey rink, walking trails, a large central plaza designed for community events and gatherings, concession and restroom facilities, support buildings and parking areas. ★
NGI Sports Welcomes Two New Product Lines
NGI Sports announces the launch of two product lines for all-weather tennis and pickleball surfacing.
The Rally Series, an adaptation of NGI’s urethane foam technology, fully adheres to existing asphalt or concrete surfaces, providing ideal cushioning, consistent ball response and enhanced player comfort.
The Rally Series options include Rally 100 (no foam for firm, precise play), Rally 300 (3mm urethane foam for balanced cushioning) and Rally 500 (5mm urethane foam for maximum impact absorption).
NGI Sports has also launched Even Flow Acrylics, a comprehensive line of premium acrylic coatings that features a single
Polytan Delivers World-Class Track at Sydney Olympic Park
Polytan worked on an upgrade to the Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre that includes a track design with alternating lane colors to enhance broadcast appeal.
The track features Rekortan® Gel system, with a gel base layer is made from 84 percent renewable and recycled materials, delivering consistent performance with high levels of shock absorption and resilience.
Delivered in collaboration with Sydney Olympic Park, the project also improves accessibility and safety, including new inground anchor points for para-athletes and upgraded throwing infrastructure aligned with international standards. ★
Photo courtesy of Sports Turf Company
Matéflex Announces New Matéflex III Tile For Inline Hockey Use
The Matéflex Modular Flooring company has announced a new and improved version of their successful Matéflex III tile.
Portolite Mounds Announces New Field Defense System
Portolite Mounds has announced the new Field Defense System, designed to help maintain the quality of playing fields.
The Field Defense System delivers complete protection, particularly in the areas with the most traffic, such as mounds, the batter’s box and on-deck circles.
Teams, facilities and organizations nationwide have reported a marked improvement in field quality, durability and overall maintenance efficiency. ★
Together, the companies will provide builders, private residences, developers, clubs and racquet sports operators with turnkey padel court solutions, from design and engineering to delivery, installation and maintenance. ★
Sports Venue Calculator Launches New Planner App for Facility Development
Stencil Masters Introduces New CNC Router
Stencil Masters is proud to introduce its new CNC router, a computer-controlled manufacturing machine designed for precision cutting, carving and drilling.
Operating on X, Y and Z axes with a highspeed spindle reaching up to 30,000 RPM, the CNC router transforms CAD/ CAM designs into highly accurate finished products. It allows personnel to cut wood, plastics, composites and soft metals with exceptional detail and consistency.
Sports Venue Calculator has introduced a new digital tool designed to support sports facility planning and development across North America.
Quality Court Industries, LLC (QCI), now celebrating its 25th year in business, has announced the construction of six new outdoor post-tension pickleball courts at The Country Club of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
QCI provided turnkey service, including the post-tension slab construction, installation of the acrylic surfacing system and striping, court accessories, LED court lighting, fencing and sidewalks. ★
Sportsfield Specialties, Padel Solutions Group Create Partnership
Sportsfield Specialties, Inc. (SSI) has announced a strategic partnership with Padel Solutions Group (PSG) to expand access to world-class padel infrastructure across the United States and North America.
Under the partnership, the two organizations will collaborate on:
• Padel court manufacturing, sales and distribution
• Project engineering and approvals
• Turnkey installation and construction
• Club and facility development support
• Growth initiatives for the North American padel market
The SVC Planner App provides a centralized environment where project stakeholders can organize and manage different stages of a facility project.
The Planner App is built using insights from a large dataset of sports facility projects and user interactions across the U.S., reflecting current trends and needs in sports construction and planning. ★
The company is launching ToughForm, a durable PBC board built for high-traffic environments and custom layouts. Available in ½” and ¼” thickness, ToughForm is ideal for playgrounds, parking areas, tracks and turf applications.
Combining strength with versatility, ToughForm provides a long-lasting base for precise graphics, markings and surface designs. ★
Streamline Services Debuts Two-Part Crack Repair System
Sportworks Design Adds to Its Team Sportworks Design, a division of The Kleingers Group, has added Kyle Wright, PE, to its team as Senior Civil Project Engineer.
Kyle brings 13 years of civil engineering experience spanning athletic, K-12, park, residential, healthcare and industrial projects.
A University of Dayton graduate and licensed professional engineer in Ohio, he has experience ranging from conducting field surveys to designing and managing complex land development projects.
In his role with Sportworks, Kyle will contribute to the planning and design of sports complexes, school athletic facilities and community recreation projects. ★
Streamline Surfaces is a two-part crack repair system for pickleball and tennis courts that saves time and money through simple installation which requires no special skills or tools. There is also no tape or bonding edge needed. It is compatible with all acrylic coatings.
Streamline Surfaces crack repair system can be used for small, medium or large cracks and is environmentally sustainable. ★
ThenDesign Architecture (TDA) has announced that it is now a 100 percent employee-owned firm.
This transition represents a celebration of TDA’s history and a confident step forward, reinforcing commitment to the firm’s culture, future and clients, ensuring the values and relationships that define TDA will continue to guide growth well into the future. ★
ASBA MEMBERS
New Members & Certified Builders
New Members
Ancillary
• AG Source, Inc.
• United Pickleball Association of America
Builder
• Ace Coatings
• Advanced Sports Surfaces
• Asphalt Impressions, Inc.
• Build My Courts
• Cottle’s Asphalt Maintenance Inc.
• Court Repair Services Inc.
• Final Cut Turf & Recreation, LLC
• For the Win! Custom Courts and Gyms
• Globe Asphalt Paving
• GTR Turf Inc.
• ITAC, Inc.
• Libero Nomad LLC DBA Sport Angeles Athletic Supply
• Mack Bros Sports Construction
• MasterCare Flooring Inc.
• Next Level Construction LLC
• Pacific Courts
• Pro Surfaces
• ProSurface Inc.
• Rockland Sports Construction
• Rocky Mountain Sports Group
New Certified Builders
Reynolds Fischer, CFB Fischer Brothers LLC
Michael Mattea, CTB Kiefer USA
Builder (cont.)
• Sherrod and Sherrod LLC
• SIS Pitches
• Techline Sports Lighting
• V Diamond Turf Sports Construction Professional
• CutBow
• K2K Engineering and Consulting, LLC
• Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
• Williams & Works Provisional
• Blue Collar Court Solutions
• Courtship Sports
• Duvon Lighting LLC
• Reyes Sports Surfacing
• Site Ready Construction Supplier
• Acoustiblok
• American Wick Drain
• DIY Court USA Inc.
• Keeper Goals
• Rain Bird
• STAUF USA LLC
• Van Duerr Industries, Inc. DBA SafePath Products
Kennedy Gilmore, CTB SCG Fields, LLC
Taylor Miller, CFB-S Warner Athletic
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of Modular Drink Rail Systems; the winner of the ASBA 2024 Game Changer Award for the Fields Division.
